When you invite a friend over for dinner, do you hand her a bowl of cereal and ask her to go stand at the sink? Do you give him a spoon and a jar of peanut butter? Not a chance, right? You probably whip up something nice and simple, grab some plates and silverware, and sit down to dinner at the table.
While living alone gives you the freedom to dine as you please (one of its many pleasures!), I don't recommend a steady diet of Ben and Jerry's for dinner. When it comes to eating alone at home, treat yourself as you would treat a good friend you are having over for dinner.
Why? Because you are worth it. Because you will feel better about yourself, both physically and emotionally. And, because you will be setting a good example for others, especially if you have kids in the area who might stop by. You'll be sending them an important message: It's important to take good care of myself and to treat myself with respect. I matter enough to treat -- and feed -- myself well.
Eating well and right has all kinds of benefits. And what better way to start enjoying those benefits than by creating an inviting "table for one" in your own home. In fact, why not consider the tips below and give it a try tonight?
Tips For Eating Well When You're Alone
- Stock your kitchen with healthy food. It's so much easier to put a healthy meal on the table when the good stuff is plentiful and the junk food is in short supply. I'm fully aware of my own downfalls (ice cream, nuts, cookies, and chips) and do not regularly stock these items in my kitchen. Instead, I have on hand a good supply of fruits and vegetables, prepackaged salad greens, frozen entrees, and easy-to-grill fresh cuts of meat and fish.
- Set the stage. Have some fun with your table setting: put down a placemat, use a cloth napkin, bring out the wine glass, turn on some enjoyable music, and position a good book or magazine within reach. I often light a candle. If you've never set the stage like this, it can feel contrived the first few times, but stay with it. Over time, I have confidence you'll find it as enjoyable and relaxing as I have.
- Indulge your senses. Stimulate your appetite by preparing an item or meal that produces a wonderful, delicious aroma. My secret? I love the scent of sautéed onions, and jump-start many a solo dining experience with a little butter and chopped onions in my iron skillet. The aroma invites me into the cooking process and within minutes the worries and stresses of my day start to melt away. I also try to incorporate foods with a variety of textures and color -soft, chewy, crisp, and firm-in each meal. These touches serve to make the dining experience more interesting and pleasant.
- Select the best seat in the house. While eating in front of the TV may be the perfect choice on some occasions, I encourage you to find dining spaces inside or outside your home that offer more inspiration. Chances are, you'll appreciate the change of scenery. Consider that special nook where the sun filters in or that table by the window with the great view. Mix it up, experiment with different settings, and see how much better it feels.
- Enjoy your own company. When you eat alone, you're in the company of your very own good mood! You are with someone who approves of your cooking techniques, appreciates the candle you lit, and knows that life and food are to be enjoyed. Cherish this "quality time" with yourself.
Creating a pleasant "table for one" can help you make you feel more energetic, happier, and healthier. It's a great opportunity to focus on yourself and to nourish your body and spirit at the same time. Bon appetit!